purine

noun

pu·​rine ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn 

1

: a crystalline base C₅H₄N₄ that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group

2

: a derivative of purine

especially : a base (such as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA

Examples of purine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Laing also cautioned that sardines contain purines, which may cause a buildup of uric acid and worsen symptoms like joint pain and swelling for people with gout. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026

Ryugu contained roughly equal amounts of purines and pyrimidines, while Murchison was richer in purine nucleobases. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 24 Mar. 2026

The chemistry leading to their formation will necessarily be somewhat distinct, so the researchers pooled the purines and pyrimidines and compared their concentrations across multiple asteroids. — ArsTechnica, 21 Mar. 2026

Ryugu contains roughly comparable amounts of the nucleobases, adenine and guanine (known as purines), to cytosine, thymine, and uracil (pyrimidines). — Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German Purin, from Latin purus pure + New Latin uricus uric (from English uric) + German -in -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for purine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

Kids Definition

purine

noun

pu·​rine ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn 

: any of a group of bases including several (as adenine or guanine) that are important parts of DNA and RNA

Medical Definition

purine

noun

pu·​rine ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn 

1

: a crystalline base C₅H₄N₄ that is the parent of compounds of the uric-acid group

2

: a derivative of purine

especially : a base (as adenine or guanine) that is a constituent of DNA or RNA